Search form

Main menu

Meet Your UC Merced Tour Guides

UC Merced Tour Guides

UC Merced Tour Guides, 2018-2019

Abigail R.

Hi Bobcats!

My name is Abigail. I go by Abby as well. I am from Orange County, California. I am currently a fourth year Bioengineer major declared pre-medical. I hope to pursue a career in the medical field as either a physician or an engineer on medical equipment. I am a heavily involved student on campus.

I work for the Recreation Department as the supervisor for tutoring student athletes as well as I work for Admissions as a campus tour guide. I am a member of the Phi Delta Epsilon, Alpha Class member of Phi Mu, American Medical Student Association, and Global Medical Training. I am also an undergraduate researcher in Linda Hirst’s lab on biophysics.

Want to know more about how UC Merced’s countless opportunities have influenced my medical school journey? Come take a tour!

Aldo R.

Hello all future Lynx Rufus! Just in case you are wondering, Lynx Rufus is the scientific name for a bobcat.

My name is Aldo but everyone calls me friend. I am a second year biology major with an emphasis in microbiology and immunology. I was born in the Central Valley in a little town called Kerman. The things I have been involved in on campus are the boxing club my first semester, intramural flag football and intramural ultimate frisbee, and president and founder of the Spartan Race Club. I also worked as an orientation leader during the summer of 2017. Currently, I am working as a tour guide and peer instructor.

One of the things I love about UC Merced is how easy it is to get involved and also how much fun it is.

Fun Fact: a bobcat is twice the size of a household cat. Another fun fact is that I know a lot of fun facts.

Come visit our growing campus and learn what it has to offer, as well to hear some more fun facts.

Alondra C.

Hello ladies and gentlemen, my name is Alondra Calderon and I am a second year currently studying politcal science with a minor in psychology and cognitive science.

I am from a small town named Porterville, CA which happens to be 2 hours away from campus and I am a first generation student, being the youngest of 6 in my family. I am also part of the Fiat Lux Program and an active member on campus.

If you choose so to take a tour I will be very excited to be a part of your decision when choosing the perfect college for you! I will answer all questions as best as possible and redirect you to where or what you need to go and what you need to know in order to help see if UC Merced is the perfect place for you to achieve your job goals!

Alyssa M.

Hello Future Bobcats!

My name is Alyssa and I am currently a second year student here at the University of California, Merced. I was born and raised in The San Fernando Valley which is located near Los Angeles. I am currently studying Politcal Science. I hope to further my education after my undergraduate degree by attending law school, then working as a lawyer for professional athletes.

Some of my interests are going to baseball games, Audrey Heburn, and traveling! I am also a member of a social sorority on campus called Kappa Kappa Gamma. I am always actively looking to further my involvement within this campus and take advantage of every single opportunity that UC Merced has to offer.

Come visit UC Merced to see why it is my home-away-from-home and discover the countless opportunities this campus has for you! Lastly, GO BOBCATS!

Andrea C.

Hello!

My name is Andrea and I am currently a 2nd year student here at UC Merced. I am a Spanish major working to double-major in psychology. My dream is to become a psychologist to help adolescents with mental health issues, whether they come from low-income families or may not have the resources available to help them. I am from Baldwin Park, CA which is a small city in the Los Angeles area. Here on campus, I am involved in a Greek organization, Kappa Kappa Gamma.

Throughout my time here at UC Merced I have been able to build connections and meet a lot of wonderful people.

I would love to show you what UCM is all about, see you all soon!

Breanna B.

What’s poppin Bobcats!

My name is Breanna Bell and I am a 3rd year, Political Science Major here at UC Merced! My goal is to attend Law School and move on to become a Defense Attorney for our Criminal Justice System. My home town is Carson, CA which is located in the Los Angeles area.

My involvement on campus includes the Black Student Union, Phi Alpha Delta (International Pre-Law Fraternity), as well as the STEP Fellowship Program. During my time here I have made many new friends and developed a new family.

Bridget I.

Welcome Bobcats!

My name is Bridget and I am currently a junior here at our beautiful UC Merced campus!

I was born in Tokyo, Japan but I was raised in Walnut, California- near Los Angeles. I am currently studying Management and Business Economics. I hope to find a career in either marketing or public relationships and I have been able to expand my connections with all the different clubs and organizations we offer here at UC Merced. I am currenly a member of the women's fraternity Kappa Kappa Gamma and hope to get more involved in campus life as I continue on my journey at UC Merced.

Come join us at our amazing campus and help us shape the future of UC Merced!

Cindy C.

Hi everyone!

My name is Cindy and I was born and raised in San Francisco. I am a third year at UC Merced studying Human Biology.This university has provided me with the resources necessary to grow as individual in both my personal and academic life.

In addition to being a tour guide, I am also a member of a Women’s Fraternity Delta Delta Delta. Once I graduate, I hope to obtain a career in the medical field , travel the world, and most importantly give back to my community.

Lastly, I can’t wait to share with you all my experiences here as a bobcat.

Curtavia G.

Hi everyone!

My name is Curtavia, and I was born down south but I was raised in Oakland! I am a second year psychology major.

When I am not in classes you can find me in one of the dance studios creating choreography. Alongside being a tour guide, I am also an active member in Afrikans for Retention Outreach (AFRO) and the S.T.E.P. Team on campus. With my degree I hope to return to Oakland and educate young adults on the importance of mental health.

Lastly, I am very excited to share my knowledge and expericences with you all!

David H.

Welcome future Bobcats!

My name is David and I hail from the wonderful Los Angeles County and the city of Lancaster for those in the know. I am just one of the many wonderful tour guides that our campus has to offer. Sharing a little about myself, I'm a third year Political Science Major and whenever I'm not hitting the books you'll find me in the gym pumping iron. I'm also a very active member of the recently founded Boxing Club on campus though I'm a very pacifist person. This is my third year involved with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers wven though I'm no longer an engineering student.

I'm so excited to share with you everything that this amazing university has to offer!!

Deidra L.

Hola y Bienvenidos! Hey future bobcats!

My name is Deidra and I am a third year student at UC Merced. I’m working towards a Public Health B.A. as well as completing my pre-requisites for medical school. I aspire to become a Pediatric Oncologist in the future and help little kids in the San Joaquin Valley. I am from the Bay Area, Richmond to be exact. I am a proud DREAMer and a product of immigrants.

Alongside my tour guide job, I am very involved on campus. I am a part of Ingenieros Unidos, Hermanas Unidas, and a women’s fraternity called Kappa Kappa Gamma. These clubs and organizations focus on empowering and bettering one’s self and the community around us. This university not only helped me flourish as a student but as a person, too.

I can’t wait to share with you my love for this campus. See you soon!

Derrick V.

What's up Bobkitties!

My name is Derrick and I'm from Roseville, California. I'm a second year psychology major at UC Merced! I love dancing, writing poetry, and helping people! I'm an aspiring psychiatrist (which makes me a premed student) with big goals to reinvent psychiatric treatment and social stigma surrounding mental disorders.

On campus, I am a part of various clubs/organizations, such as Global Brigades, the American Medical Student Association, Phi Delta Epsilon pre-medical fraternity, Lambda Alliance, and Best Buddies! I live my life in constant hope that I am able to better someone else's life with compassion and empathy. UC Merced helped me with this by assisting in my evolution as a person, and as a student. I have never been more interested in the actual knowledge that I harvest from the various classes/research labs than here at UC Merced!

I hope you have a great time at our campus!

Donald C.

Yello, my name is Donald (just like the duck) and I hail from the one and only captial of California: Sacramento.

I am currently a second year majoring in Sociology. I have no clear goal in mind on what I want my career to be but I do know that I want to make a change in people's lives.

I am involved in several clubs on campus such as Black Student Union and Afrikans For Retention Outreach, as well as being an active participant in intermural basketball. I love sports, love talking to people, and most of all I love my campus.

UC Merced is an amazing place and I would love to show you the way I see my great school.

Ethan M.

What's up fam!

My name is Ethan and I am currently a second year student studying to become a mechanical engineer. My goal after college is to become a pilot in the Air Force! Air Power!! I am a native of the city of Palmdale (located in the Mojave Desert) so I am a desert rat! I'm highly involved on campus. I am a proud member of Ingenieros Unidos and an interdenominational Christian fellowship called Intervarsity. Also, I am a founding member of the Spartan Race Club as well as the Runners at UC Merced club!

One thing I absolutely appreciate about our growing campus is that you can help build the university physically, socially and academically! The University of California, Merced is a breeding ground for innovation and opportunity allowing students to not only gain an education but providing the tools to forge one’s dreams and legacy!

So, come check us out! We won’t bite, we’ll only claw at you (not really)!

Keanu V.

What's going on everyone?!

My name is Keanu Velasquez and I am currently a second year. I am undeclared at the moment but hope to declare in Sociology with either a minor in psycology or Spanish.

I was born and raised in the heart of the Bay Area, San Francisco. With that being said, here at UC Merced I found myself deeply involved in the dance community (INTRO, Homebound, and PAA Modern) along with the Filipino organization, PAA. Through these clubs and teams, they all allowed me to develop as an individual and help me work towards my goals as a student. The UC community has increased the passion I have with dance and gave me the opportunity to help others grow and strive to be where they want to be.

UC Merced has opened many doors for me to improve myself as a student and young adult. There are constant opportunities that are here on campus, as well as constant growth in the school itself. You all will see how this University is able to provide students the chance to be something they've always dreamed of.

I am incredibly excited to be able to show you what it is like to be a UC Merced Bobcat! I hope to see you soon here at the UC!!

Kyndra K.

What's up future Bobcats, welcome to UC Merced!

My name is Kyndra and I'm from Manteca, California, which is about an hour north of Merced. I am Central Valley born and raised! I'm currently a 2nd year Cognitive Science Major and also a member of the Women's Soccer Team here at UC Merced. Go Bobcats!

After UC Merced, my hope is to attend grad school to receive my Master's in Behavior and then work in Behavioral Analysis, specializing in the behavior of children with Autism.

I love UC Merced because it offers countless opportunities that other UC's couldn't even dream of. I originally came to UC Merced to play soccer, but over time I fell in love with the campus. From its diversity to our awesome research programs, to our rapidly expanding campus, it's everything an incoming college student could dream of and more!

Madely M.

Hello and Welcome to UC Merced!

My name is Madely, I was born in Mexico but moved to Roseville, California at the age of seven. I am currently a second year student studying Biological Sciences with an emphasis in Human Biology. After graduation, I plan to attend graduate school for medical research. UC Merced gives its students countless opportunities to excel in academics, extracurricular activities and overall experiences that will shape us for the future.

Some of the things I got to be part of since my very first semester here at UC Merced include the Fiat Lux Program which is a program for low-income and first generation students. In addition, I am involved with Dance Coalition which has allowed me to perform in various events on campus alongside other passionate dancers.

I am very excited to be a tour guide and show prospective students and visitors my home-away-from-home!

Manar H.

السلام عليكم Assalam Ealaykum! What's up Bobcats!

My name is Manar and I am a third year Management and Business Economics major at the university. My family is origionally from the beautiful country of Sudan and I am from the cool capital City of Sacramento. Many students usually ask me why I am so passionate and happy to be a student at this university. Let me share with you why. I came onto this campus as a first year student very excited and optimistic; I couldn't wait to get involved. My ambition shined through from the beginning which led me to get involved in some of the great opportunities here on campus. This includeed being an active member of the Black Student Union, Muslim Student Association, African Student Union, AFRO, Spoken Word Club, INTRO Dance Company, Campus Activities Board, Bobcat Leadership Series and also being a brother of the oldest most prestigious business fraternities recognized as Alpha Kappa Psi.

The love I have for this university is second-to-none. My bobcat pride has certainly grown since the time I first laid eyes on UC Merced. Yes, we are the smallest UC, however, the opportunities you will encounter as a bobcat cannot be matched by any other UC. We are the pioneers of this university, and knowing that we are a part of the growth of this expanding university brings warmth to my hearth. The jobs I have held on campus have certainly helped me reflect and share my passion at this university.

Last year I worked as a Bobcat Caller and this year as a Tour Guide; both positions allowed me to share my love for the UC. This is why I encourage you all to come take a tour of UC Merced! GO BOBCATS !!!

Matthew B.

Kamusta!

My name is Matthew, and I am a third year student at UC Merced studying Computer Science and Engineering with hopes to find a career surrounding artificial intelligence development. I come from San Clemente, a small town in southern California by the beach. Not only am I a full-time student (and tour guide), I am also the Vice Executive Chairperson for the Pilipino American Alliance.

I have also been given the opportunity to dance with INTRO Movement, an organization driven to Inspire Notions Through Ranges Of Movement. Though we are the newest and smallest university in the UC system, I constantly find more and more inspiration while becoming more and more involved here on campus during its growth!

I want to invite you to come to our campus so that I, or one of my colleagues, can share you why we love the UC Merced campus!

Natalie M.

Hello and Welcome Future Bobcats!!

My name is Natalie and I am from the San Fernando Valley which is in Southern California. I am currently a second year student majoring in Psychology with a minor in Interdisciplinary Public Health. After graduation I hope to continue my education by either attending Medical School or pursuing a Forensic Psychology career.

On top of being a full-time student as well as a tour guide, I am also involved in numerous clubs on campus such as InterVarsity and Bobcat Dance which is UC Merced’s official dance team. Some of my interests are baseball, dance, football, and listening to music. Although I have only been at this school for two years, I can already see the great effect this campus has had on myself as well as my peers. I find myself loving the school more and more each day!

I can’t wait for you to come visit and experience all the love we have here at UC Merced! Hope to see you soon!!

Nelson S.

What up Bobcats!

My name is Nelson! I'm a first generation college student originating from Indonesia, but I grew up in Rohnert Park which is located in Sonoma County, California, and otherwise known as wine country. I'm a third year computer science and engineer major here at our beautiful school, UC Merced, and I hope to join a start up company or start my own and create my own product.

If I'm not studying you can find me listening to music, playing guitar, DJ-ing, or just hanging out with my friends. UC Merced has allowed me to create lifelong friends and memories, as well as allowed me to grow professionally, academically, and socially.

Come visit our beautiful campus to learn how you can grow as an individual and explore the countless opportunities that this campus provides

Nonzenzele A.

Hey folks!

My name is Nonzenzele Aldonza (Zele) and I am a second year Management and Business Economics Major with a minor in Community Service and Research (what a mouthful). I am from Long Beach, the best city in California commonly known as the 562. I am the eldest of three and love my siblings very dearly.

Over the past year at UC Merced I worked for the Brown Youth Academy inspiring minority youth to attend college, served as an ICC Delegate, recently got hired as a Tour Guide and Student Ambassador, and also worked at the local high school. I can ensure you a great time on filled with lots of smiles on our campus tours.

Come on down and see how life can be when you are a Bobcat!

Sabrina G.

Hey, how's it going Bobcats!

My name is Sabrina! I am currently a third year Applied Mathematics Major with an emphasis in Engineering and a Natural Science Education Minor.

I was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, which is about four hours away heading towards Southern California.

On campus, I am currently involved in Ingenieros Unidos, Hermanas Unidas, and the UC Merced Police Mentor Program.

Some things about me is that I am a big fan of sports, love to read, tend to talk a lot, and enjoy puns.

Santos T.

Hey, What’s Up!

My name is Santos and I am from the Bay Area, specifically San Leandro. I am a second year studying Political Science and hope to go to Law School and become an Immigration Lawyer.

I am highly active on campus. I am a part of Chi Alpha, a student faith movement on campus, and also part of the intramural soccer team. When I am not hitting the books, you will see me at the field scoring goals like Lionel Messi!

Overall, UC Merced has transformed me to a more professional and outgoing person. I am blessed to be part of Bobcat family because there are resources for our students so they can achieve success in the future.

I cannot wait to show you how to score a goal at UC Merced! GO BOBCATS!

Sky L.

My name is Hanul Lim, but everyone calls me Sky!

I’m from Baldwin Park, California, home of the first In-N-Out! I am a 4th year Psychology major here at UC Merced. I aspire to use what I’ve learned here at UC Merced to go into family counseling in the future.

I am involved with a local church here in Merced called Kaleo Community Church, where I’m a student leader for their college ministry! Some of my hobbies include: playing tennis, jamming out with my guitar, and playing video games!

I am very excited to be able to show what an amazing campus UC Merced is, hope you come visit us soon!

Teanna H.

Hi there!

My name is Teanna and I am a second year student here at UC Merced studying Environmental Engineering. My hometown is Newport Beach, California so moving to the Central Valley to study was definetely a big shift but one that was worth while. On campus I am currently involved in volunteering and hosting an art class at the Vernal Pools Reserve as well as on the club golf team.

My interests include painting, playing electric guitar, and cooking which are all great ways to keep busy when I'm not doing homework! The UC Merced has really helped me grow as a person and I fall more in love with this campus everyday.

Hope to see you here soon!

Valerie M.

Hello future Bobcats!

My name is Valerie and I am a second year Psychology major who wants to work in the criminal justice system after my time here at UC Merced. I am a local from the Central Valley who was raised in Modesto, California. On campus, I am currently an Associate Justice within the judicial branch of Associated Student's of the University of California, otherwise known as our student government. Beyond that, I am currently a part of the pioneering Peer Review Board on campus which works with Housing and Residential Life to resolve conflicts between students.

Since I am attending a research university, I have also been a participant in research studies which is a unique opportunity for students on our campus. UC Merced is such a young and diverse campus, and there are many ways to get involved and create the future you want to see!

I hope to see your bright minds on one of my tours so I can provide you with more information about our budding campus. Until then, go Bobcats!

Victoria M.

Hello!

My name is Victoria and I come from the beautiful town of Santa Rosa, California, which is a little north of San Francisco. I am in my third year studying biology at UC Merced and am loving every minute of it!

I am also a student athlete playing for the UC Merced Women’s Soccer Team which allows me to compete in the sport I love for the school I adore.

When I am not in the classroom or at soccer practice, I like to spend my time listening to music, exercising in the gym, or keeping active in the beautiful outdoors of the Central Valley.

I would love to share my passion for our wonderful campus with you and show you all the amazing opportunities UC Merced has to offer you!